Search Results (43)

In this study, laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB) 022Cr17Ni12Mo2 steel plates with dimensions of 50 mm × 50 mm × 2 mm were fabricated using a laser power of 206 W, a scanning speed of 900 mm/s, a hatch spacing of 90 μm, a layer thickness of 30 μm, and an interlayer scanning rotation of 67°. The specimens were then subjected to solution treatment at 900–1100 °C for 30 min and at 950 °C for 30–120 min. Unlike previous ultrasonic studies on additively manufactured metals, which mainly focused on defect detection, elastic-constant characterization, or residual stress evaluation, this work investigates whether solution-treatment-induced changes in grain size and dislocation density can be quantitatively reflected by laser-ultrasonic attenuation and further correlated with yield strength. Laser ultrasonic nondestructive testing using a 1064 nm pulsed laser with a pulse width of 8 ns and a pulse energy of 500 mJ was combined with metallographic observation, EBSD characterization, XRD analysis, tensile testing, and microhardness measurement. The results show that the solution-treated samples retained a single-phase γ-austenitic structure, while microstructural recovery, weakening of PBF-LB-induced cellular substructures, and partial annihilation of cell-wall dislocations led to a reduction in KAM-derived dislocation density from 2.04 × 10¹⁴ m⁻² to 1.45 × 10¹⁴ m⁻² and a decrease in yield strength from 466.9 MPa to 407.4 MPa. Within the present dataset, the EBSD-equivalent grain size showed an apparent positive correlation with ultrasonic attenuation, while the KAM-derived dislocation density showed an empirical negative correlation with ultrasonic attenuation. However, ultrasonic attenuation should be interpreted as a combined microstructure-sensitive response rather than as a response controlled only by EBSD-equivalent grain size or dislocation density. Based on the empirical correlations among ultrasonic attenuation, EBSD-equivalent grain size, KAM-derived dislocation density, and yield strength, a preliminary attenuation-based calibration model was established for the present solution-treated samples. The model should be regarded as an in-sample empirical calibration within the present experimental range rather than a general Hall–Petch-based predictive model. The model showed good in-sample fitting performance, with (R²) values higher than 0.85 and a maximum in-sample fitting error of 3.85%. However, because the model was established and assessed using the same eight solution-treatment conditions, it should be regarded as a preliminary calibration model within the present experimental range rather than a general predictive model. This study demonstrates the potential of laser ultrasonic attenuation for non-contact evaluation of microstructural and mechanical-property variations in solution-treated PBF-LB 022Cr17Ni12Mo2 steel. Full article

Blast-induced traumatic brain injury is a prevalent and underreported condition, particularly among military service members, for whom effective prophylactic interventions are lacking. Nano-pulsed laser therapy (NPLT) is a non-invasive neuromodulatory approach that delivers short pulses of near-infrared light to generate optoacoustic effects within cerebral tissue and has previously demonstrated therapeutic benefit following TBI. In this study, we evaluated whether a single pre-exposure application of NPLT could confer protection against neurological, cognitive, and cellular sequelae of mild blast injury. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to receive NPLT or Sham treatment 24 h prior to either Sham or mild blast exposure using the Advanced Blast Simulator. Neurological reflexes and vestibulomotor function were assessed on post-injury days (PIDs) 1–5, while cognitive performance was evaluated using the Morris Water Maze on PIDs 13–17. Histological analyses of microglia, astrocytes, and myelination were performed on PID 17. A single mild blast did not significantly alter gross neurological function but was associated with deficits in fine motor coordination and cognitive performance. Pre-exposure NPLT modestly attenuated blast-associated fine motor dysfunction, with a significant improvement compared with TBI on PID 4. In the Morris Water Maze, TBI animals exhibited significantly increased latency compared with Sham on PIDs 13 and 17, whereas NPLT + TBI animals did not significantly differ from Sham across the testing period, consistent with preservation of cognitive performance. Histological responses were regionally heterogeneous: NPLT alone produced distinct glial alterations, while NPLT + TBI animals exhibited a mixture of treatment- and injury-associated responses rather than uniform normalization to uninjured controls. NPLT did not prevent localized blast-associated reductions in corpus callosum myelin staining. In naive animals, NPLT significantly increased hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression 24 h after treatment. A single pre-injury application of NPLT was associated with functional resilience following mild blast exposure despite persistent and regionally heterogeneous histopathological alterations. Increased hippocampal BDNF 24 h after NPLT, together with region-specific glial changes following NPLT in the absence of injury, demonstrates that a single treatment produces sustained molecular and cellular effects before blast exposure. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that prophylactic NPLT establishes an altered pre-injury biological state that may modify the subsequent response to blast and support further investigation of NPLT as a prophylactic strategy and of the mechanisms underlying NPLT-associated preconditioning. Full article

This work presents a sustainable strategy for the fabrication of multifunctional silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) and Ag/jute nanocomposites using Erythroxylum coca tea waste extract as a bioreducing and stabilizing agent, combined with picosecond pulsed laser irradiation. UV–Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed the formation of Ag-NPs with diverse morphologies and broad size distributions, which became significantly more uniform after laser post-treatment without the need for additional chemical reagents. Following laser irradiation, the initially broad Ag surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak transformed into a symmetric Gaussian-shaped band, centered at 407 ± 3 nm for all the Ag-NPs systems. The catalytic performance of unsupported Ag-NPs and Ag-NPs supported on jute fibers was comparatively evaluated by degrading Congo red (CR) dye, revealing that the supported nanocomposites exhibited enhanced catalytic stability, higher pollutant removal efficiency, and improved catalyst recovery. Furthermore, multicomponent catalytic reduction experiments involving CR and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in the presence of NaBH₄ revealed simultaneous degradation and reduction pathways mediated by the Ag/jute nanocomposites, as evidenced by the emergence of new absorption bands during the reaction. In parallel, the synthesized Ag-NPs demonstrated pronounced antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, generating well-defined inhibition zones. Beyond conventional approaches centered on nanoparticle synthesis and morphology optimization, this study establishes a platform that combines agricultural waste valorization, laser-assisted nanoparticle engineering, and natural-fiber-supported nanocomposite fabrication, enabling efficient remediation of both single- and multicomponent pollutant systems while promoting catalyst reusability and environmental sustainability. These findings demonstrate the Ag/jute nanocomposites as sustainable and scalable catalytic materials for wastewater remediation and antimicrobial applications. Full article

Background: Solar lentigines are common epidermal hyperpigmented macules associated with chronic ultraviolet exposure and photoaging. Objective: To describe a standardized 532 nm green laser protocol for solar lentigines and to place these observations within a narrative review with a structured PubMed/Medline literature search. Methods: Five patients (two women and three men; age range 42–65 years, mean 53.6 years; Fitzpatrick skin phototypes II–III) with solar lentigines underwent treatment with a 532 nm green laser (QuadroStarPRO GREEN, Asclepion) using a standardized, single-session protocol. Outcomes were assessed at the final available follow-up (day 21) by 2 independent dermatologists using a retrospective categorical response classification (complete response/partial response/no response) based on paired baseline and day 21 image documentation only; patient satisfaction was recorded at day 21 on a 0–10 visual analog scale (VAS). A narrative review with a structured PubMed/Medline literature search was conducted to identify clinical studies evaluating 532 nm KTP/green laser devices for lentigines, freckles, and ephelides. Results: All five target lesions were classified as complete response at day 21 (5/5 complete response), with a mean VAS satisfaction score of 8.6/10 (range, 7–10) and no discordance between dermatologists. Mild transient erythema was observed immediately after treatment and improved within the first day; no persistent adverse events, dyschromia, or scarring were observed during the available 21-day follow-up. Conclusions: In this small case series, a single-session millisecond 532 nm green laser protocol was associated with complete-response classification at day 21 in five target lesions. Published clinical studies indicate that outcomes with 532 nm devices vary with device type, pulse structure, and treatment settings; larger comparative studies with objective pigment measures and longer follow-ups are needed. Full article

Background: Effective pain management is crucial during orthodontic treatments with fixed appliances, to ensure adequate patient compliance and to avoid treatment discontinuation. Photobiomodulation approaches, including Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has received substantial attention, due to its potential as an effective, non-pharmacological analgesic modality, however, evidence pertaining to its efficacy is controversial. Our present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of LLLT vs. placebo, following placement of orthodontic elastic separators (ESs) in adult patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliances. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, split-mouth study was carried out, where n = 31 volunteers (18 male and 13 female; aged between 19 and 32 years) were enrolled. ESs were placed at the mesial and distal surfaces of the first permanent molars in both quadrants of lower, as well as upper jaws. Based on the assigned intervention, the four quadrants were divided as follows: three quadrants received LLLT treatment—using a 980 nm wavelength GaAlAs diode laser, with 0.1–0.2 W—according to three treatment regimes, i.e., regime 1 (R1): 6 J, continuous mode, R2: 12 J, continuous mode, and R3: 6 J, pulsed mode; while placebo treatment (P) was applied in the fourth quadrant. A questionnaire with a visual analogue scale (VAS; 0–100) was used for pain assessment (spontaneous pain and pain on mastication), scored directly after separation and after 6, 24, 48 and 72 h of both laser and placebo treatment application. Results: After the 24 h mark, significant differences were detected between the pain readings of LLLT-treated and placebo quadrants, both in resting position and during mastication (p < 0.05); pain readings were highest for R2, P, while lowest for R3 quadrants in resting position, and at R1 during mastication, respectively. Conclusions: Although findings of our study are exploratory in nature, they suggest that a single application of LLLT might be effective in reducing pain caused by ES placement, especially in the vulnerable 24 h following separation. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT07456709 (date of registration: 2 March 2026, retrospectively registered). Full article

Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) with Raman crystals is widely recognized as an effective technical approach for achieving high-efficiency lasers at specific wavelengths. However, due to crystal size limitations, it is challenging to generate large-energy Raman lasers while simultaneously considering the laser damage threshold of optical components. To overcome this limitation, in this paper we describe the successful fabrication of a large-aperture barium nitrate Raman gain medium using the directional template growth technique. Employing this large-aperture Raman medium and a 532 nm pulse laser as the excitation source, a large-energy, high-efficiency yellow–orange waveband laser system was constructed. When injected with 886.7 mJ pump energy at 532 nm, the Raman laser achieved a maximum output energy of 556.2 mJ, corresponding to an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 62.7%. This represents a significant advancement in single-pulse energy for barium nitrate Raman lasers. Large-energy yellow–orange wavelength lasers have applications in the clinical treatment of skin diseases and microfluidic chip manufacturing. Full article

Background: Keloids are fibroproliferative scars with a prominent vascular component, and pulsed dye laser (PDL) is an established treatment, but objective imaging biomarkers of response are lacking. Objective: To evaluate whether dynamic optical coherence tomography (D-OCT) can provide quantitative, depth-resolved monitoring of keloid vascular remodeling under PDL and to explore candidate metrics for hypothesis-generating assessment in future studies. Methods: We conducted a prospective single-case pilot, hypothesis-generating study of a thoracic keloid treated with three sessions of 595 nm PDL, acquiring D-OCT scans at baseline and approximately 30, 60, and 90 days over a standardized 4 × 4 mm region of interest at 0.15, 0.30, and 0.50 mm depths. Primary D-OCT metrics included vascular en-face area, vessel length density, junction density, and mean vessel caliber. Results: The superficial layer (0.15 mm) showed an almost complete collapse of vascular signal (area −88% vs. baseline), the intermediate layer at 0.30 mm exhibited a sustained ~39% reduction in vascular area with parallel decreases in length and caliber at stable branching, and the deep layer at 0.50 mm showed modest area changes with longer but thinner vessels. These depth-resolved changes were consistent with clinical improvement in Vancouver Scar Scale and POSAS scores. Conclusions: D-OCT yielded quantitative, clinically interpretable vascular metrics that align with the expected effects of PDL in this single patient. In this patient, the percentage reduction in vascular area at 0.30 mm by week 8 emerged as a candidate quantitative metric for response monitoring; thresholds in the order of ≥25% could be tested prospectively as hypothesis-generating cut-offs in future controlled and reliability-tested studies, but are not proposed here as validated clinical criteria. Full article

Silicon carbide (SiC) single crystals are extensively utilized in various fields due to their exceptional properties, such as a wide bandgap and a high breakdown threshold. Nevertheless, the intrinsic high hardness of SiC creates significant challenges for contact machining. This study investigates the surface damage characteristics and underlying mechanisms involved in processing both high-purity silicon carbide (HP-SiC) and nitrogen-doped silicon carbide (N-SiC) crystals using fundamental-frequency nanosecond pulsed lasers. This study establishes a laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) testing platform and employs the internationally standardized 1-ON-1 test method to evaluate the damage characteristics of HP-SiC and N-SiC crystals under single-pulse laser irradiation. Experimental results indicate that N-SiC crystals exhibit superior absorption characteristics and a lower LIDT compared with HP-SiC crystals. Subsequently, a defect analysis model was established to conduct a theoretical examination of defect information across various types of SiC. Under fundamental-frequency nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation, N-SiC crystals demonstrate a lower average damage threshold and a broader defect damage threshold distribution than their HP-SiC counterparts. By integrating multi-dimensional analytical methods—including photothermal weak absorption mechanisms and damage morphology analysis—the underlying damage mechanisms of the distinct SiC forms were comprehensively elucidated. Moreover, although N-SiC crystals show weaker photothermal absorption properties, they exhibit more pronounced absorption and damage response processes. These factors collectively account for the different laser damage resistances observed in the two types of silicon carbide crystals, implying that distinct processing methodologies should be employed for nanosecond pulsed laser treatment of different SiC crystals. This paper elucidates the damage characteristics of various SiC materials induced by near-infrared nanosecond pulsed lasers and explores their underlying physical mechanisms. Additionally, it provides reliable data and a comprehensive mechanistic explanation for the efficient removal of these materials in practical applications. Full article

Background and Objectives: This prospective case series evaluated a treatment strategy in endodontic-periodontal lesions resulting from concurrent pulpal and periodontal infections. These present significant management challenges, particularly when they exhibit resistance to standard treatment modalities. Persistent microbial biofilms in regions like dentinal tubules and lateral canals can make it hard for healing to happen, even with good endodontic and periodontal care. Diode lasers have antibacterial and photobiomodulatory effects, but they are most often used as single-stage disinfection techniques. This pilot study evaluated a multi-stage diode laser protocol designed to enhance healing outcomes in refractory endo-perio lesions that had not responded to conventional treatment. Materials and Methods: Twelve patients (aged 20–60 years) with chronic endo-perio lesions, referred after unsuccessful earlier treatment, were treated utilizing a sequential diode laser regimen: Phase 1—Endodontic disinfection: Following canal instrumentation (0.75 W, pulsed mode, frequency 15 Hz, 200 μm fiber, 15 J dosage/20 s) using a 976 nm diode laser. Phase 2—Periodontal disinfection: Following SRP, intra-pocket (0.75 W, pulsed mode, frequency 15 Hz, 300 μm fiber, 3.75 J dosage/5 s) using a 976 nm diode laser; Phase 3—Post treatment photobiomodulation: After periodontal and endodontic therapy, photobiomodulation was applied using a 650 nm diode laser intra-pocket and in the periapical region (25 mW, continuous mode, 1.5 J dosage) to reduce postoperative inflammation and stimulate healing. Clinical parameters—probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and mobility—along with radiographic bone fill were recorded at baseline and after 6 months. Results: All twelve cases showed measurable within-patient improvements over the six-month follow-up. Median probing depth decreased from 7.6 mm to 6.0 mm, and median bleeding on probing declined from 0.9 to 0.3. Radiographically, partial bone fill was observed in all cases, with a median value of 58.3 percent. Postoperative pain decreased progressively over the first 24 h, with patients reporting mild discomfort by 24 h. No adverse events were recorded. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this small, uncontrolled pilot study, the multi-stage diode laser protocol was associated with clinical and radiographic improvements and low postoperative discomfort in refractory endo-perio lesions. These preliminary findings suggest that such a protocol may serve as a useful adjunct to conventional therapy. Larger, controlled studies are required to confirm these outcomes and determine long-term efficacy. Full article

Persistent Enterococcus faecalis infections represent a major cause of endodontic treatment failure, highlighting the need for innovative disinfection strategies beyond conventional irrigation. This in vitro study evaluated the antimicrobial potential of pulsed electric fields (PEF) as a non-thermal and non-chemical adjunctive method for root canal disinfection. Fifty-two extracted mandibular premolars with single canals were standardized to 16 ± 0.1 mm, inoculated with E. faecalis, and incubated for 28 days to establish mature biofilms. The teeth were subsequently exposed to PEF under varying electrical parameters using sterile water as the irrigant, and bacterial viability and metabolic activity were assessed post-treatment. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was performed to visualize bacterial distribution within dentinal tubules, with particular attention to the apical region, which is most resistant to disinfection. PEF application significantly reduced bacterial viability and metabolic activity compared with baseline (p < 0.05), although complete elimination was not achieved. CLSM images revealed both red-stained non-viable cells, reflecting irreversible electroporation, and green-stained viable cells, indicating reversible electroporation and residual bacterial survival. These findings demonstrate that PEF can inactivate microorganisms through electroporation while maintaining tissue compatibility, and its antimicrobial effect may be enhanced when combined with sodium hypochlorite. Optimization of electrical parameters and evaluation in polymicrobial biofilm models are warranted to establish clinical relevance and support translation into practice. Full article

4H-SiC wafers usually require polishing treatment after slicing to improve the surface quality. However, traditional polishing processes have problems such as low removal efficiency and easy surface damage, which affect the reliability of electronic devices. In this paper, picosecond laser polishing technology is used to study the 4H-SiC wafers after slicing. Numerical models of single-pulse ablation and moving heat source polishing were established to reveal the interaction mechanism between laser and material, including the dynamic evolution of free electron density and the remarkable spatiotemporal non-equilibrium heat transfer characteristics of the electron–lattice system. The sliced 4H-SiC surface with a roughness of 2265 nm was polished by a 1064 nm picosecond laser, and the influence of laser power and scanning speed on the surface quality was systematically studied. By collaboratively optimizing the polishing power and speed, the surface roughness of the sample can be significantly reduced to 207.33 nm (a decrease of 90.85%). The research results indicate that an ultrafast laser is suitable for the pretreatment process of sliced silicon carbide wafers, laying a foundation for further research in the future. This research has a certain research significance for promoting the development of ultrafast laser polishing technology for single crystal silicon carbide wafers and improving the performance and reliability of semiconductor devices. Full article

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT), which combines optical absorption and ultrasonic detection, enables the monitoring of dehydration-driven structural changes in extracted teeth over time. In this proof-of-concept study, 2D photoacoustic images of a wisdom tooth were generated on the same scanning plane at days 0, 1, 3, 6, 10, 15, 21, and 28 post-extraction, using day 0 as the reference. Measurements were performed in forward-detection mode with a single ultrasound transducer and a 532 nm pulsed laser. For the comparative analysis of variations between images, four metrics were used: Pearson correlation coefficient, Structural Similarity Index (SSIM), Mean Squared Error (MSE), and Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR). Structural changes were also examined through radial intensity profiles extracted from each image. The results revealed marked differences in the central region, evidencing progressive structural and acoustic modifications within the tooth. The most significant change occurred on day 1, followed by small but consistent variations on subsequent days. These differences are associated with dehydration-induced changes in tissue density, which affect sound propagation. This study highlights the value of PAT for noninvasive monitoring of post-extraction dental changes, with implications for diagnosis, treatment guidance, and biomaterials research in dentistry. Full article

Background: Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) is an established treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Pulse-modulated lasers, like MOSES technology (MoLEP), may enhance the procedure’s efficiency and safety. Methods: A 3-year single-center retrospective comparative study was conducted on 1368 patients treated with HoLEP/MoLEP at MITERA Hospital. Results: A total of 688 patients were treated with HoLEP and 680 with MoLEP. Compared to HoLEP, MoLEP demonstrated shorter surgical (50.5 min [IQR 33–60] vs. 58 min [IQR 46–69], p < 0.01) and enucleation times (34 min [IQR 23–43] vs. 43 min [IQR 34–51], p < 0.001) and shorter hospital stay (8 h [IQR 6–19] vs. 12 h [IQR 9–24], p = 0.027), catheterization time (19 h [IQR 12–48] vs. 24 h [IQR 24–48], p < 0.001), and irrigation duration (5 h [IQR 2–8] vs. 7 h [IQR 3–10], p < 0.001), with similar morcellated tissue weight and morcellation time. At 1 month, MoLEP showed higher Qmax (27.3 mL/s [IQR 23.9–30.3] vs. 20 mL/s [IQR 17–23.6], p < 0.001), lower PVR (11.4 mL [IQR 7.7–15] vs. 12.5 mL [IQR 7–18], p = 0.005), better IPSS (4 [IQR 3–6] vs. 7 [IQR 5–11], p < 0.005), QoL (1 [IQR 1–2] vs. 2 [IQR 1–2], p < 0.001), lower PSA (1.8 ng/mL [IQR 1.1–2.6] vs. 2.4 ng/mL [IQR 1.3–3.5], p < 0.001), which were maintained at 6 months, and fewer Clavien-Dindo I (2.5% vs. 7.5%, p < 0.001) and II (16% vs. 25.7%, p < 0.001) complications. Conclusions: MoLEP offered significant advantages over HoLEP in this study. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral candidiasis is an opportunistic infection caused by Candida species. Recently, antifungal drugs have become less effective due to yeast resistance, emphasizing the need for new treatment strategies. This study aimed to assess the effect of the Er:YAG laser on the inhibition of growth and elimination of mature single-species Candida biofilms. Methods: The study utilized reference strains of C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei organized in single-species biofilms on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). First part: Candida suspensions (0.5 McFarland standard) were spread on SDA plates—two for each strain. Er:YAG laser irradiation was applied in a single pulse mode, 30 to 400 mJ, to 32 predetermined points. The growth inhibition zones (GIZs) were measured at 24–96 h of incubation. Second part: biofilms were prepared similarly and, after 96 h of incubation, exposed to Er:YAG laser irradiation at different energies (50, 100, 150, 200 mJ) for 180 s, per 1.44 cm area. Post-irradiation, impressions were taken using Rodac Agar to determine yeast counts. The count of colony-forming units (CFU) after irradiation was measured and results were analysed statistically. Results: First part: GIZ was found in all irradiated sites, with various Candida strains. The results showed a significant increase in the width of GIZ in the energy range of 30–280 mJ and a non-significant increase in the energy range of 300–400 mJ. Second part: the number of CFU remaining after the irradiation of biofilms with 150 mJ energy differed statistically significantly from other results obtained after using 50, 100, or 200 mJ energy, regardless of the Candida strain tested. Conclusions: The Er:YAG is shown to have good disinfecting properties (inhibiting biofilm growth, even at low-energy doses (50 mJ), and eliminating maturity, Candida spp. biofilms most effective on the 150 mJ energy dose). Full article

This study investigates how laser-induced surface modifications influence key properties such as wear resistance, hardness, and friction in dry and lubricated conditions. The research applies nanosecond pulsed laser treatment to create random, quasi-random, quasi-periodic, and periodic surface structures on the steel surface, aiming to enhance the wear resistance and reduce the coefficient of friction (COF). The frictional performance between the carbon steel ball and the texturized surface was evaluated, including an analysis of the initial friction phase contact (single, double, and multi-contact), with the surface topography assessed before and after wear. The results of the pin-on-plate tests indicate that laser texturing improves the hardness by transforming austenite into martensite, modifies the wettability by periodizing the surface, reduces the COF, and enhances the wear resistance. Periodic surface structures allow for better lubricant retention and change in the lubrication regime, contributing to lower friction and a longer surface lifespan. Minimizing ball–surface contact through appropriate surface periodization significantly affects the load transfer. The primary wear phenomena are the adhesive and abrasion wear of a two-body nature, transforming into a three-body one. The study concludes that laser surface texturing is an effective method for enhancing the tribological performance of AISI 321 steel, with potential applications in industries requiring high wear resistance. Full article